From Pebble Mill Newsletter
Jane McLean
Production Assistant  Pebble Mill
Helena Taylor has passed on details of Jane’s funeral.
It will be held at:
Robin Hood Cemetery
Streetsbrook Road
Shirley
Solihull B90 3NL
on:
Tuesday 17 February 2026 at 13:00

After the funeral, there will be a wake and celebration of Jane’s life at:
West View Studio
West Warwickshire Sports Complex
78 Grange Road
Solihull B91 1DA
IMPORTANT To help with catering numbers, please let Helena know if you will be attending, by completing this simple Google form before Monday 9 February 2026:
https://forms.gle/nbgf7Yk5EpGhBokAA
There is no dress code. It is hoped to stream the service via the internet.

Many thanks for posting this news, it first reached us via a Make-up Facebook page. Those years we all spent together at the BBC were exceptionally special, sadly a time gone by that will never be repeated. The world has changed. They were exhilarating years filled with hard work, a good sprinkling of fun, friendship and daily laughter. Carol was very much a part of all that. x

Confirmed here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mypension/news/260121

In an interview given to "The Guardian" DG Tim Davie says "The BBC will face “profound jeopardy” over its future unless it embraces significant changes to its funding, ......"


The interview, by Michael Savage, is here, in which the DG rejects a suggestion that the BBC should be funded by advertising or subscriptions.

The BBC reports that Mark Tully "The Voice Of India" has died at the age of 90.

Andrew Whitehead's tribute to him may be found here.

Simon O´Hagan's Guardian Obituary may be found here.

According to the BBC Press Office, here.

"BBC Group and YouTube today announced a new strategic partnership, focused on investments in new programming, collaborating to showcase more BBC moments that bring the UK together on YouTube, and upskilling the next generation of future creators and producers from across the UK."


More here from the BBC News Site.

And more from "Variety" here.

"Last week, the FT reported that the BBC would also be able to generate a profit from any partnership with YouTube by advertising on programs shown outside of the U.K. As a public service broadcaster, it does not earn money through advertising on home soil, instead charging a license fee to British audiences for access to its content."

And more from "Deadline" here. This includes some interesting statistics...."Under the agreement, the BBC will grow its number of YouTube channels to 50, which includes those operated by commercial arm, BBC Studios. New specialist channels will include BBC3’s Deepwatch (working title), featuring new and existing documentaries.

Seven children’s channels will also be launched, including The Epic Facts channel, which will bring together content from BBC series including Horrible Histories and Deadly 60. The BBC will also showcase “moments that bring the UK together” like the Winter Olympics."

Bob Prabhu has poted this on Facebook:
I heard that Dave Goldsmith died,on Sunday 18th of January 2026.
When I was working in the News studios, Dave Goldsmith got promoted in the 70s to Vision Supervisor on Clive Besley's group and a few years later, he was promoted to shift leader, ENG Facilities Unit.
After he retired, dementia affected his health. His careing, loving, brave wife of many years, Lesley took good care of him but as they both aged, she could not manage. Dave was put in a home to be cared for.
Dave was very popular at work at the BBC and other social group. He was admired for his leadership and fairness to his staff. After he retired, he enjoyed travelling with his wife and meeting his old fellow colleagues for a drink or a bite.
I last saw Dave and Lesley at the BBC Park Westen event, seven years ago.
When I know details of his funeral, I shall let you know.

If this is an appropriate place for a anecdote about lovely Nigel, let me know.  If I should post in another place, tell me where.  Best wishes, Tim J

Tony (Was TV center Cameras) Passed away on the 2md Jan 2026

Ray sadly passed away on January 2nd after a short battle with cancer.

He joined the BBC in the 50's in lighting at TFS and later joined the Back Projection Dept based at TVC which in turn became Scenic Projection Dept (part of Visual Effects)
until the department's closure in 1988.

As a result he  retired and moved to Lincolnshire.